Blackberry plant named ‘APF-409T’

ABSTRACT

Description and specifications of a new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named ‘APF-409T’ which originated from seed produced by a hand-pollinated cross of Arkansas selections ‘A-2504T’ (an unpatented breeding selection) x ‘APF-295T’ (an unpatented breeding selection) is provided. This new cultivar of blackberry plant can be distinguished by its excellent plant health, thornless canes, strong primocane-fruiting tendency, and early season of fruit ripening on both floricanes and primocanes.

Latin name: Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson.

Varietal denomination: ‘APF-409T’.

BACKGROUND

The new primocane-fruiting blackberry plant called ‘APF-409T’ is described herein. The new plant originated from a hand-pollinated cross of Arkansas selections ‘A-2504T’ (an unpatented breeding selection) x ‘APF-295T’ (an unpatented breeding selection) made in 2012. The seeds resulting from this controlled hybridization were germinated in a greenhouse in the spring of 2013 and planted in a field near Clarksville, Ark. (West-Central Arkansas). The seedlings fruited in the summer of 2014 and one seedling, designated ‘APF-409T’ was selected. It was selected for excellent plant health, thornless canes, strong primocane-fruiting tendency, and early season of fruit ripening on both floricanes and primocanes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The new and distinct cultivar of blackberry originated from a hand-pollinated cross of Arkansas selections ‘A-2504T’ (an unpatented breeding selection) x ‘APF-295T’ (an unpatented breeding selection) made in 2012. The botanical designation of the new cultivar of blackberry is Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson.

The seeds resulting from this controlled hybridization were germinated in a greenhouse in the winter to early spring of 2012-2013 and planted in a field near Clarksville, Ark. The seedlings fruited on floricanes in the summer of 2014 and one seedling, designated ‘APF-409T’, was selected for its excellent plant health, thornless canes, strong primocane-fruiting tendency, and early season of fruit ripening on both floricanes and primocanes.

During winter 2014-2015, the original plant selection was propagated asexually from root cuttings at the above-noted location, and a test row of 10 plants was established.

The new cultivar has been asexually multiplied since 2014 by the use of rooting adventitious shoots from root cuttings. It forms new shoots from adventitious buds on root cuttings readily. During all asexual multiplication, the characteristics of the original plant have been maintained and no aberrant phenotypes have appeared.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the new variety in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this character. The plants shown in the figures were three years of age.

FIG. 1 is a photograph of fruit of ‘APF-409T’ borne on a floricane of a three-year-old plant near Clarksville, Ark.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of primocane flower buds, flowers, and immature fruit on a three-year-old plant of ‘APF-409T’ near Clarksville, Ark.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of primocane fruit on a three-year-old plant of ‘APF-409T’, near Clarksville, Ark.

FIG. 4 is a photograph showing the abaxial (left) and adaxial (right) surfaces of primocane leaves collected from a three-year-old plant, near Clarksville, Ark. of ‘APF-409T’.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CULTIVAR ‘APF-409T’

Plants and fruit of this new cultivar differ phenotypically from its parents. The new blackberry plant produces fruit on primocanes, whereas the female parent, ‘A-2504T’, only produces fruit on floricanes. The new blackberry plant blooms and ripens earlier on primocanes than the male parent, ‘APF-295T’. Although blackberries (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson) are highly heterogeneous and outcrossing, and most cultivars are interspecific hybrids, the new cultivar and its progenitor lines phenotypically exhibit characteristics predominately of the erect eastern United States species, Rubus allegheniensis Porter (highbush blackberry).

Plants of the new cultivar are vigorous and prolific and row establishment following planting is rapid. Both primocanes and floricanes are erect in growth habit. The canes are best managed if trained to a hedgerow and a trellis with supporting wires used to prevent canes from falling over due to wind or heavy fruit loads. The plants are thornless. Plants and fruit are moderately resistant to anthracnose [Elsinoe veneta (Burkh.) Jenkins], and plants have shown no evidence of susceptibility to orange rust [Gymnoconia nitens (Schwein.) F. Kern and H. W. Thurston.]. No screening has been done for resistance to double blossom/rosette [Cercosporella rubi (Wint.) Plakidas].

Plants and fruit of this new cultivar differ phenotypically from similar varieties. The average floricane bloom of the new cultivar peaks on 28 April, compared to 2 May for ‘APF-45’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,449) and 6 May for ‘APF-190T’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 28,598). The first harvest of floricane fruit of the new cultivar begins on 1 June, compared to average first harvest on ‘APF-190T’ (6 June) and ‘APF-45’ (9 June). Primocane first ripe fruit date is 10 July on tipped primocanes, whereas ‘APF-190T’ is first ripe on 30 July and ‘APF-45’ is first ripe on 8 August.

Fruit yields of the new cultivar on floricanes average 3.4 kg/plant (7.7 lb/plant) similar to 3.0-4.0 kg/plant (6-9 lb/plant) for ‘APF-45’ and greater than 1.1 kg/plant (2.4 lb/plant) for ‘APF-190T’ in West-Central Arkansas. Fruit yields of the new cultivar on primocanes in West-Central Arkansas average 1.4 kg/plant (3.1 lb/plant) compared to 1.8 kg (4.0 lb/plant) for ‘APF-45’ and 0.6 kg/plant (1.3 lb/plant) for ‘APF-190T’. Primocane fruit harvest can be dependent on environmental conditions, most importantly temperatures being below 32° C. (90° F.) to allow fruiting.

The fresh fruit rates good in flavor, comparable to comparison cultivars. The soluble solids concentration averages 11.7% on shiny black fruit harvested from floricanes and 11.9% from primocanes. Soluble solid content is higher than that of ‘APF-45’, which averages 9.7% and 9.9% for floricane and primocane fruit, respectively.

Primocane fruit and flowers are borne on the cane terminus or on lateral branches if primocanes are tipped, and fruiting continues down the primocane during the season. Canes usually attain a length of approximately 1.8 m (4 ft) prior to the appearance of flower buds. The number of nodes down the cane that develop flowers is largely dependent on the length and conditions of the late summer to fall growing period.

The following is a detailed description of the botanical and pomological characteristics of the subject blackberry. Color data are presented in Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart designations (1986 2nd edition). Where dimensions, sizes, colors, and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations of averages set forth as accurately as practicable.

Plants used for botanical data were three years old and grown in a fine sandy loam soil with trickle irrigation near Clarksville, Ark. The plants were fertilized near budbreak (February to March) with complete or nitrogen fertilizer, and had an additional nitrogen fertilizer application in early July. Primocanes were tipped at approximately 1.14 m (45 inches), and grown in a hedgerow training system. Weeds were controlled with pre- and post-emergence herbicides supplemented with mechanical weed control activities. A single application of liquid lime sulfur was applied to the plants at budbreak, but no other fungicides were used. The descriptions reported herein are from specimens grown near Clarksville, Ark.

-   Plant:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Plants are grown in a hedgerow and primocanes             tipped at approx. 114 cm; plants in this system range in             size from approx. 135-140 cm tall and 91-102 cm wide.         -   Growth habit.—Moderate vigor, canes erect; suckers primarily             from the crown of the plant.         -   Growth rate.—First emergence of primocanes is 26 April and             primocanes reach tipping height (114 cm) approximately 10             May. -   Productivity:     -   -   Floricane.—3.4 kg/plant (7.7 lb/plant).         -   Primocane.—1.4 kg/plant (3.1 lb/plant).         -   Cold hardiness.—Hardy to −17° C. (1° F.) and possibly lower.             Significant damage to floricanes was noted at −26° C. (−15°             F.).         -   Canes.—Thornless, erect.         -   Disease resistance.—Moderate resistance to anthracnose, and             no evidence of orange rust disease. No screening has been             done for resistance to double blossom/rosette. -   Floricane (dormant or winter cane):     -   -   Cane diameter.—Base: 1.4 cm; midpoint: 0.9 cm; terminus:             0.61 cm.         -   Internode length.—Base: 6.2 cm; midpoint: 5.7 cm; terminus:             3.1 cm.         -   Floricane color.—Base: greyed-purple group (183A) on sun             exposed side, yellow-green group (145A) on shaded side;             midpoint: greyed-purple group (183C) on sun exposed side,             yellow-green group (145A) on shaded side; terminus:             greyed-purple group (183C) on sun exposed side, yellow-green             group (145A) on shaded side.         -   Thorn density/30 cm.—Not applicable; this plant is             thornless.         -   Thorn size.—Not applicable; this plant is thornless.         -   Thorn color.—Not applicable; this plant is thornless.         -   Lateral branching after tipping (measured at the end of             growing season).—Average number of lateral branches: 5;             distribution: over whole length of the plant; anthocyanin             present: yes; color: red group (44A).         -   Shape of dormant cane cross-section.—Round near base and             midpoint, gradually getting more angular near the terminus. -   Primocane (current-season cane):     -   -   Number of new canes per season.—3.         -   Cane diameter.—Base: 1.7 cm; midpoint: 1.2 cm; terminus: 1.0             cm.         -   Internode length.—Base: 6.7 cm; midpoint: 6.5 cm; terminus:             2.8 cm.         -   Primocane color.—Base: yellow-green group (144B); midpoint:             yellow-green group (144B); terminus: yellow-green group             (144B). No anthocyanin coloration present on primocanes.         -   Thorn density/30 cm.—None, this plant is thornless.         -   Thorn size.—Not applicable; this plant is thornless.         -   Thorn color.—Not applicable; this plant is thornless.         -   Lateral branching after tipping (measured at the end of             growing season).—Average number of lateral branches: 5;             distribution: over whole length of the plant.         -   Relative number of glandular hairs on young shoot.—Absent or             few. -   Foliage (floricane):     -   -   Leaves.—Shape: compound palmate leaf; size: width: 11.3 cm;             length: 9.3 cm; budbreak: 15 February.         -   Glossiness.—Abaxial: absent, dull; adaxial: moderate.         -   Leaflet.—Width: 4.0 cm; length: 6.4 cm; overall shape:             lanceolate; shape at base: cordate; shape at apex: acute;             margin shape: biserrate; serration teeth length: 2.0 mm;             width: at base: 2.0 mm; shape in cross section: u-shaped;             degree of undulation on terminal leaflet: absent or very             weak; degree of blistering on terminal leaflet: weak.         -   Pubescence.—Abaxial: heavy; adaxial: medium.         -   Number of leaflets per compound leaf.—3.         -   Leaf color.—Base: abaxial: yellow-green group (147B),             adaxial: green group (139A); midpoint: abaxial: yellow-green             group (147B), adaxial: green group (139A); terminus:             abaxial: yellow-green group (147B), adaxial: green group             (139A).         -   Petioles.—Length: 1.1 cm; diameter: 1.2 mm; color:             yellow-green group (147C); texture: moderate pubescence             present.         -   Petiolules.—Length: 6.0 cm; diameter: 1.9 mm; color:             yellow-green group (144A); texture: moderate pubescence             present.         -   Stipule.—Number present: 2.         -   Stipule size.—Length: 1.4 cm; width: 1.5 mm.         -   Stipule shape.—Overall: linear; apex: acute; margin: entire             (smooth); base: truncate.         -   Stipule texture.—Abaxial: heavy pubescence; adaxial:             moderate pubescence.         -   Stipule color.—Abaxial: yellow-green group (146B); adaxial:             green group (137A).         -   Venation pattern.—Pinnate.         -   Vein color (mature leaves).—Abaxial: yellow-green group             (147C); adaxial: yellow-green group (147C).         -   Vein color (young leaves).—Abaxial: yellow-green group             (145C); adaxial: yellow-green group (145B). -   Foliage (primocane):     -   -   Leaves.—Shape: compound palmate leaf; size: width: 18.4 cm;             length: 18.8 cm.         -   Glossiness.—Abaxial: absent, dull; adaxial: moderate sheen.         -   Leaflet.—Width: 8.2 cm; length: 9.6 cm; overall shape:             lanceolate; shape at base: cordate; shape at apex: acute;             margin shape: biserrate; serration teeth length: 1.6 mm;             width: at base: 2.1 mm; leaflet shape in cross section:             u-shaped; degree of undulation on terminal leaflet: absent             to weak; degree of blistering on terminal leaflet: moderate.         -   Pubescence.—Abaxial: heavy; adaxial: absent to weak.         -   Number of leaflets per compound leaf.—5.         -   Leaf color.—Base: abaxial yellow-green group (146B),             adaxial: yellow-green group (137A); midpoint: abaxial:             yellow-green group (146B), adaxial: green group (137A);             terminus: abaxial: yellow-green group (146B), abaxial: green             group (137A).         -   Petioles.—Length: 8.7 cm; diameter: 4.8 mm color:             yellow-green group (146B); texture: weak to moderate             pubescence present.         -   Petiolules.—Length: 4.2 cm; diameter: 2.2 mm; color:             yellow-green group (146C); texture: moderate pubescence             present.         -   Stipule.—Number present: 2.         -   Stipule size.—Length: 1.4 mm; width: 2.2 mm.         -   Stipule shape.—Overall: subulate; apex: acuminate; margin:             entire (smooth); base: rounded.         -   Stipule texture.—Abaxial: heavy pubescence present; adaxial:             weak to moderate pubescence present.         -   Stipule color.—Abaxial: yellow-green group (146B); adaxial:             yellow-green group (146A).         -   Venation pattern.—Pinnate.         -   Vein color (mature leaves).—Abaxial: yellow-green group             (146C); adaxial: yellow-green group (146D).         -   Vein color (young leaves).—Abaxial: yellow-green group             (146C); adaxial: yellow-green group (146D). -   Flowers (floricane):     -   -   Date of first bloom.—28 April.         -   Reproductive organs.—         -   Stamens.—Numerous.         -   Pistils.—Numerous.         -   Pollen.—Normal, fertile, and abundant.         -   Flower.—Size: diameter: 3.7 cm; depth: 1.7 cm; shape:             overall: rotate; symmetry: actinomorphic.         -   Petal size.—Length 1.9 cm; width 1.3 cm.         -   Petal shape.—Overall: obovate; apex: obtuse; margin: smooth             (entire); base: cuneate.         -   Petal texture.—Abaxial: smooth, no pubescence; adaxial:             smooth, no pubescence.         -   Petal color.—Abaxial: white group (155D); adaxial: white             group (155D).         -   Average number flowers per cluster.—5.         -   Average number of petals per flower.—5.         -   Sepals.—Length 0.78 cm; width: 0.52 cm; shape: overall:             cordate; apex: aristate; margin: entire (smooth); base:             truncate; texture: abaxial: heavy pubescence; adaxial:             moderate to heavy pubescence; color: abaxial: yellow group             (11B); adaxial: yellow-green group (146D); number per             flower: 5.         -   Pedicel.—Length: 3.5 cm; diameter: 1.5 mm; color:             yellow-green group (144A); texture: heavy pubescence.         -   Peduncle.—Size: length: 10.4 cm; width: 3.2 mm; color:             yellow-green group (144A).         -   Cyme type.—Simple cyme; length: 8.9 cm. -   Flowers (primocane):     -   -   Date of bloom.—First bloom averages 31 May and can extend             until frost depending on environment and cultural             management.         -   Reproductive organs.—         -   Stamens.—Numerous.         -   Pistils.—Numerous.         -   Pollen.—Fertile and abundant unless temperatures exceed             32° C. (90° F.) at which temperature can damage flowers and             anthers and pollen production can be reduced.         -   Flower.—Size: diameter: 2.9 cm; depth: 1.2 cm; shape:             overall: rotate; symmetry: actinomorphic.         -   Petal size.—Length: 1.3 cm; width: 0.9 cm.         -   Petal shape.—Overall: obovate; apex: obtuse; margin: entire             (smooth); base: cuneate.         -   Petal texture.—Abaxial: smooth, no pubescence; adaxial:             smooth, no pubescence.         -   Petal color.—Abaxial: white group (155B); adaxial: white             group (155A).         -   Average number flowers per cluster.—5.         -   Average number of petals per flower.—5.         -   Sepals.—Length 0.81 cm; width: 5.6 cm; shape: overall:             lanceolate; apex: aristate; margin: entire (smooth); base:             truncate; texture: abaxial: smooth, no pubescence; adaxial:             smooth, no pubescence; color: abaxial: yellow-green group             (147D); adaxial: yellow-green group (144A); number per             flower: 5.         -   Pedicel.—Length: 2.8 cm; diameter: 1.6 mm; color:             yellow-green group (144A); texture: heavy pubescence.         -   Peduncle.—Size: length: 3.8 cm; width: 3.5 mm; color: green             group (143C).         -   Cyme type.—Elongated simple cyme; length: 11.3 cm. -   Fruit (floricane):     -   -   Maturity.—Average first ripe date 1 June.         -   Size.—Medium, average 7.6 g.         -   Diameter of fruit at primary position on             inflorescence.—Equator: 1.9 cm; base pole: 1.9 cm; terminus             pole: 1.6 cm.         -   Diameter of fruit at secondary positions on             inflorescence.—Equator: 1.8 cm; base pole: 1.6 cm; terminus             pole: 1.4 cm.         -   Length (primary fruit).—2.7 cm.         -   Length (secondary fruit).—2.4 cm.         -   Length (tertiary fruit).—2.2 cm.         -   Shape.—Medium ovate.         -   Color.—Black group (202A).         -   Drupelet size.—Length: 5.0 mm.         -   Drupelets per berry.—66.         -   Seed size.—Length: 3.1 mm; width: 2.4 mm.         -   Seed weight.—Wet: 6.3 mg; dry: 3.6 mg.         -   Seed color.—Wet: orange-red group (34B); dry: yellow-orange             group (22B).         -   Soluble solids.—11.7%.         -   pH.—3.66.         -   Titratable acidity.—1.0% citric acid.         -   Processed quality.—Not evaluated for processing.         -   Uses.—For home garden, local fresh-market, or commercial             shipping. -   Fruit (primocane):     -   -   Maturity.—Average first ripe date 10 July on tipped             primocanes and can fruit until frost depending on             environment and cultural management.         -   Size.—Medium, 6.5 g/berry.         -   Diameter of fruit at primary position on             inflorescence.—Equator: 2.0 cm; base pole: 1.7 cm; terminus             pole: 1.2 cm.         -   Diameter of fruit at secondary positions on             inflorescence.—Equator: 2.1 cm; base pole: 1.8 cm; terminus             pole: 1.3 cm.         -   Length (primary fruit).—2.5 cm.         -   Length (secondary fruit).—2.3 cm.         -   Length (tertiary fruit).—2.2 cm.         -   Shape.—Medium ovate.         -   Color.—Black group (202A).         -   Drupelet size.—Length: 5.8 mm.         -   Drupelets per berry.—65.         -   Seed size.—Length: 3.6 mm; width: 2.0 mm.         -   Seed weight.—Wet: 1.1 mg; dry: 0.5 mg.         -   Seed color.—Wet: orange-red group (35D); dry: red group             (36C).         -   Soluble solids.—11.9%.         -   pH.—1.0.         -   Titratable acidity.—3.47% citric acid.         -   Processed quality.—Not evaluated for processing.         -   Uses.—For home garden, local fresh-market, or commercial             shipping. -   The cultivar: The most distinctive features of the new cultivar of     blackberry plant are excellent plant health, thornless canes, strong     primocane-fruiting tendency, and early season of fruit ripening on     both floricanes and primocanes. 

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named ‘APF-409T’, substantially as illustrated and described. 